Espreso. Global

Russia used North Korean-made missiles to attack Ukraine twice

5 January, 2024 Friday
14:15

Russia used ballistic missiles from the DPRK in both large-scale attacks on December 29, 2023, and on January 2 this year

client/title.list_title

Defense Express reports.

The media has received confirmation from reliable sources that the ballistic missiles received by Russia from North Korea are likely KN-23 missiles. The revelation comes after analysis of the wreckage of a missile fired at Kharkiv on January 2, 2023 showed characteristics consistent with the KN-23.

Official reports at the time had mentioned Russia's use of 12 ballistic missiles, without specifying the type. Washington later confirmed on January 4 that these missiles were indeed of North Korean origin, marking the second reported case, with a similar incident occurring near Zaporizhzhia on December 29 the previous year.

Ongoing debris analysis suggests that the missile used in Zaporizhzhia may have been a KN-23, raising questions about its accuracy as it reportedly fell in a field with less damage than expected for a missile of this type, known to carry a 500 kg warhead.

The KN-23, shrouded in North Korean secrecy, has been the subject of analysis based on Pyongyang's statements and South Korea's radar surveillance data during missile tests. Estimated to be 7.5 meters long, 0.95 meters in diameter and weighing 3,415 kg, the KN-23 is known for its solid-fuel propulsion system.

Defense Express writes, that the missile's maximum recorded launch range is up to 690 km, achieved during a test on July 25, 2019. However, it is believed that a smaller warhead was likely used in achieving this range, contrasting with a 450 km version demonstrated in tests on June 6, 2019.

The KN-23 is launched from an 8x8 wheeled chassis, similar to the Iskander launcher, with the capacity to carry one missile. The chassis shares similarities with the Belarusian MZKT-7930, indicating possible collaboration or production ties with Minsk. A railway version of the KN-23 launcher also exists.

Due to North Korea's secretive nature, information about the number of KN-23 missiles and their production rate remains unknown. 

In terms of defense against the KN-23, air defense systems with missile defense capabilities, such as Patriot PAC-3 and SAMP/T, are considered effective interceptors. As the debris analysis continues, the international community remains vigilant, closely monitoring the implications of this collaboration between Russia and North Korea in the realm of ballistic missile technology.



 
Tags:
Read also:
  • News
2025, Wednesday
22 January
21:40
On Unity Day, Ukrainian symbols reappeared in the Russian-occupied cities of Crimea
Activists send greetings from Crimea on Ukraine’s Unity Day
21:15
If borders were opened, 70% of Ukrainians would not move abroad, survey shows
21:00
Trump calls on Russia to make deal to end Ukraine war, warns of sanctions and tariffs
20:39
Exclusive
U.S. Presidential change – opportunity for Ukraine that must be seized, says MP Syniutka
20:18
Exclusive
Military expert explains why Russian forces succeed in encircling settlements
19:56
From defense to offense: key steps Ukraine must take to win war
19:37
From 5,700 to 1,110: Decline of Ukraine’s tank force from 1993 to 2013
19:15
Interview
Ukraine has every chance to become success story for EU if it pursues reforms, unlocks its potential — EU Commissioner Andrius Kubilius for Espreso
18:55
Ukrainian forces repel 41 Russian attacks in Pokrovsk sector
18:35
Russia shells Donetsk region 3,829 times over past day, causing multiple casualties
18:17
OPINION
Trump is back. His goal is 'golden age' for the USA, but where does Ukraine fit in it?
17:55
North Korea might send reinforcements to Kursk region, U.S. says
17:37
Russian army attacks Kostiantynivka with bombs, killing and injuring locals
17:16
OPINION
Kremlin's plan: war lasting lifetime of those who started it
16:55
EU Defense Commissioner Kubilius urges NATO to move military goals 14 years ahead due Russian threat
16:31
Exclusive
Ukraine Russia war live map, January 8-15
Russian forces may enter Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region as they advance toward Pokrovsk
16:10
Finnish 2S1 Gvozdika, also known as PSH 74, illustrative photo from open sources
Denmark supplies Ukraine with 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer
15:49
'Reason behind North Korean troops' involvement': NATO Commander Cavoli assesses Russia's breakthrough potential
15:32
Syria terminates investment deal with Russia over Tartus port control
15:14
OPINION
Donald Trump's promise of strong U.S. leadership must begin with Ukraine
14:55
Exclusive
Ukraine Russia war live map, January 15-22
January 15-22 live war map: Russian forces launch assault on last stronghold in southern Donetsk region
14:43
Trump assigns envoy Kellogg to end war in Ukraine in 100 days — media
14:25
Exclusive
'Prepare for turbulence with mixed proposals': military expert Zgurets on Trump’s war settlement plan
14:06
Exclusive
Russia suffers heavy losses but fails to gain ground in Kupyansk sector — Achilles Battalion
13:50
Exclusive
Around 220 civilians refuse to evacuate Chasiv Yar despite ongoing fighting
13:32
OPINION
Trump's first statements and orders: what they reveal
13:14
Ukraine authorizes Poseidon unmanned aerial vehicle system for military use
12:57
Exclusive
Trump's 'hawks' must not repeat Obama's mistake — Ukrainian diplomat
12:38
Ukraine documents over 7,000 Russian environmental crimes amid ongoing war
12:21
OPINION
Trump: Putin is destroying Russia. Column by Vitaly Portnikov
12:00
Russia violates political prisoners' health rights in Crimea at least 64 times in 2024 — analysts
11:42
Ukrainian forces eliminate 21 North Korean fighters, wound 40 in Russia's Kursk region
11:23
121 combat clashes occur on Russian-Ukrainian front on Jan. 21 — General Staff
11:05
Ukraine will need at least 200,000 peacekeepers to ensure security after ceasefire - Zelenskyy
10:46
Exclusive
Trump has no reason to concede or compromise with Russia — international expert
10:28
Trump administration seeks lasting end to war in Ukraine — U.S. official
10:11
Exclusive
Putin appears to be 'CIA's best agent' — Ukrainian diplomat
09:52
Russia launches drone attack on Ukraine, causing casualties in Mykolaiv
09:34
Russia loses 1,950 soldiers, 60 artillery systems, 11 tanks in one day of war in Ukraine
2025, Tuesday
21 January
21:30
Exclusive
Defense Express expert analyzes Russian military production rates amid war
More news